Can an employer terminate an employee without notice?

Sometimes, but not as a general rule. Section 144 requires advance notice for termination other than termination following misconduct action.

The statutory notice is generally:

• at least 1 day for employment up to 4 weeks;
• at least 7 days for employment from 4 weeks to 1 year;
• at least 30 days for employment exceeding 1 year.

An employer that fails to give required notice must generally pay remuneration for the notice period.